The Cape Town Water Crisis and Hating Israel

Demonstrating the irrationality of hatred, Cape Town rejected Israel’s offer to help forestall their crisis.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about anti-Semitism and the world’s hatred of Israel is illustrated by Cape Town’s frightening water crisis.

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Until just recently it was also one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, responsible for almost 10 percent of the country’s $33 billion economic output.

But the city is now facing a crisis of unimaginable proportion. The sources of water have dried up and the water taps will soon have to be shut off completely. Current estimates put that day – now called “Day Zero” – sometime in mid-April.

As of now, there is water rationing previously unheard-of in modern civilized cities. People are urged not to flush toilets, to shower and bathe infrequently with minimal water, and walking around with unwashed hair is considered a sign of national patriotism. The government admits they are facing a probable total collapse of their economy, their infrastructure, and their way of life.

As soon as Israel became aware of Cape Town’s water problem, it volunteered assistance, making clear their ability and willingness to help. They were rebuffed.

Cape Town has been aware of this threat for some time – and they also had an easily accessible solution. Israel is a country which achieved the scientific know-how to make its desert bloom, its minimal water supply to suffice for its needs, and the desalination of seawater for everyday purposes a reality. Israel has learned how to recycle about 85 percent of its water and has achieved what many considered impossible: making water readily accessible to all of its inhabitants. As soon as Israel became aware of Cape Town’s water problem, without any hesitancy it volunteered assistance, making clear their ability and willingness to help.

Former Israeli Ambassador to South Africa Arthur Lenk, current Ambassador Lior Keinan, and Israel’s economic attaches to South Africa all made repeated overtures to the relevant bodies to assist with the Cape Town water crisis. Scientists were prepared to share their knowledge. Volunteers were ready to come to implement them. Organizations were ready to help in the planning and even in the financing for what was required to prevent Day Zero from becoming a reality.

But the governing body of Cape Town sides with the Palestinians. That makes Israelis the enemy. And that allowed hatred to trump sanity and enmity to prefer calamity over offered salvation.

“Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat.”

Harry Emerson Fosdick put it well when he famously said, “Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat.”

In the early part of 2016, when it already became clear that parts of South Africa would be facing one of the most severe droughts in its history, an important conference was called to make plans for the initiation and implementation of specific programs to prevent catastrophe. Listed on the program as one of the delegates was Israel’s ambassador to South Africa, Arthur Lenk, who had already spent considerable effort in educating and assisting the region wherever possible. No sooner did this become public than Prof Lorenzo Fioramonti of the University of Pretoria, withdrew his participation. That was immediately followed by the BDS movement successfully lobbying the South African government to entirely cancel the water conference due to Israel’s participation.

Thanks to the growing influence of the increasing Muslim population and the leadership of the pro-jihad President Jacob Zuma aligned with the BDS, South Africans rejoiced at their ability to “tell off the Israelis” and to deny Israel the ability to claim credit for any humanitarian aid.

It is hard to imagine how much joy there must be today for a people to know that soon they are destined to helplessly watch their citizens die of thirst rather than accept aid from “those accursed Jews.”

It is a story of tragedy in South Africa – but it is more than that as well. It is a paradigm of the conflict between the world and the Jews, between the Arabs and the Israelis, between those consumed by a hatred and those anxious to extend a hand of help and of friendship to even the bitterest of enemies.

I find it significant that the Cape Town crisis revolves around water. Water has special meaning in Jewish tradition. It is so essential to life that it is the most frequently used metaphor in Judaism for Torah itself. Water and Torah are both indispensable for survival. When the Jews who left Egypt were in the desert of Sinai they could not, the Torah tells us, go three days without water. For that reason the sages instituted the public reading of the Torah on the Sabbath, Mondays and Thursdays – so no Jew would ever go three days bereft of the life-giving words of God’s gift to human kind.

We are the people of the book. Our role, as those designated to become – in the words of Isaiah – “a light unto the nations”, is to bring to the world the blessings of the Almighty’s spiritual waters. And yet, people thirsting for meaning in their lives and for purpose to their existence, prefer to reject us, even at the cost of their own survival.

Here is a profound example for the irrationality of hatred.

As my heart goes out to the victims, I have one great hope: If only the crisis of Cape Town could open the eyes of Israel haters to how much they have to gain if they would but choose peace over war, life over death and mutual blessings over eternal strife and conflict.

Rabbi Benjamin Blech, a frequent contributor to Aish, is a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University and an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, and lecturer. He is the author of 19 highly acclaimed books with combined sales of over a half million copies, A much sought after speaker, he is available as scholar in residence in your community. See his website at rabbibenjaminblech.com.

I was sent a copy of your article on Cape Town's water crisis. I find it most disappointing that Jews see hatred in any criticism of Israel. This subjective, emotive stance is possibly one of the reasons why it is so difficult for impartial, intellectual debate to take place, thus prolonging the agony of both Jew and Arab in the region. As for Jews in South Africa, I cannot recall there ever being any hatred or conflict between Jews and blacks in this country. In fact, some of South Africa's most avid antii-apartheid activists hail from the Jewish population. Jewish lawyers established the "Jews for Justice" organisation which provided free legal services to those suffering injustice under the apartheid government. Jews, together with other religious organisations, offered to accommodate black women and children in their synagogues at the height of the attack by the SA government on the abodes of black persons. Helen Suzman, an immigrant Lithuanian Jew, was the sole anti-apartheid, pro-justice for all South Africans in the SA parliament for many years. A jewish-owned company for which I worked, was one of the first equal-opportunity companies in South Africa. Jews have always been an integral entity in the South African milieu. While some revolutionaries might display hatred, this is not the general attitude in South Africa. Nations and their populations have a right to express their opinion with regard to activities taking place in the world, and the Israel-Arab situation is a particularly complex issue which arouses much concern and emotion for not only the parties immediately involved, but also for world peace, We're all affected by the tensions within the area. We all have a vested interest in a just solution in the land claimed by the Jews and inhabited for centuries by both Jew and Arab. If some South Africans believe that there should be a boycott of Israel, does that mean that they are Jew-haters? Praying for peace and love.. Marie Samson. Cape Town.

(23)
Anonymous,
February 18, 2018 7:54 AM

There's a lot people don't know about South Africa. What do you think would happen if Israel gave the Palestinians the same control as Israelis and let every African migrant come in and live there who wanted? It would be a second Holocaust. And that is what is happening right now in South Africa.

Hidden by the mainstream media, South Africa has many racist laws. There are many white engineers who can fix this problem but the government makes it illegal to employ white people and so all the whites live in squatter camps. For an example of the law, let's say the NBA says only 10% of the basketball players can be black because only 10% of the US population is black. That's South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment Act.

On a daily basis in South Africa, blacks hunt down white daily and murder them--this is part of the work of the government who hides these crimes as do the mainstream media. It is not a fast murder, but they torture and gang-rape them for about 5 days, horribly mutilating their bodies very slowly. The blacks do the children first and force the parents to watch, even cutting out their eyelids.

If Israelis tried to help, South Africa would see them as white and give them the same treatment.

You should see Lauren Southern's work at farmlands.online or see Stefan Molyneux's YouTube videos on South Africa.

To understand this is let's say Israel had totally open borders and anyone who came in could vote and gave the Palestinians all citizenship and let them rule. South Africa is about 90% foreign Zulus who came across vast deserts and risked being eaten by lions to come. Israel is kicking these people out.

What do you think would happen if Israel gave the Palestinians the same control as Israelis and let every African migrant come in and live there who wanted? It would be a second Holocaust. And that is what is happening right now in South Africa.

(22)
Joshua,
February 15, 2018 8:40 PM

Here's a perfect example Israel is not "apartheid"

http://www.aish.com/jw/me/48964491.html?s=rawWritten by an Israeli official who happens to practice Islam. Some "apartheid." 20% of the Kinesset are Muslims. I guess there would be a higher percentage if they were elected, too. There's that potential - Israel is a Democracy. But don't let facts get in the way of a good hate campaign, hey? It's so much faster to point a finger and lay blame than to look in the mirror and change.

(21)
Joshua,
February 15, 2018 7:51 PM

Oh well

Nice of Israel to offer. South African citizens - ball's in your court. I know lots of good citizens of South Africa as well as expatriates. As painful as it might be, perhaps its finally time to pack up an move to a new place where you can thrive? I'm sorry you have to go through this. I sincerely wish you the best.

(20)
Anonymous,
February 15, 2018 12:00 PM

An important article, Rabbi Blech. May it’s message be far reaching.

(19)
David,
February 14, 2018 8:33 PM

It’s going cost us 500m USDs or about 7,5 BLN Rand. We have our own tech, 10 desalination plants in SA, 130 in other parts of the world. Why must we support Other countries when we can employ SAs & support our own industry? A plant is coming online in March, it cost us 120m ZAR

(18)
Wood,
February 14, 2018 8:28 PM

That’s not true, most Afrikaners supported hitler because it would help support their “English Problem” narrative and remove English people from the South Africa. The NATs sent their ministers to Germany to tell hitler of their support and learn more about the Nazis. The NATs even went as far as to warn the Germans that the SANDF were sending troops to attack the Germans in North West Africa.
Kruger lost the election because of his support for the Allieds.
You can’t deny the facts above they are documented historical facts.

(17)
Ze'ev,
February 13, 2018 7:55 PM

Good bye Cape Town

Stupidity never takes a vacation.

(16)
Derek Oliver,
February 13, 2018 7:12 AM

So sorry and I express my shame!

Not all South Africans agree with the stupidity of our leaders! We love Israel and are grateful for their generous offer of help, which they did after countless insults by our people and leaders. I sincerely apologize and am ashamed to be counted in this number!

Joshua,
February 15, 2018 7:58 PM

don't

Thank you Derek and don't be ashamed. It's not your decision. You're a victim. I hope you and yours don't experience any hardships. Jews and Israel are accustomed to being insulted and scorned and to have its olive branches of peace broken and burned. I think what hurts us more is the needless suffering that continues because of it. Most people - not just Jews - are extra compassionate if they've experienced hardship. Wouldn't you, too, Derek, be motivated to try and try again if the roles were reversed? So it's just sad when you can't help spare others. t

(15)
Anonymous,
February 13, 2018 1:22 AM

words cannot describe....

it is beyond pathetic...it is a sickness that keeps many many people/countries with a form akin to a mental darkness. the anger/jealousy/denial of the reality that you are being offered help to make life better. it has been said ..men will be lost, not because they believed a lie- but because they failed to believe the truth...

(14)
Chikaodili,
February 12, 2018 9:15 PM

Who cares?

Reject Israel in any way and reject self. Rejecting Israel, to me, is rejection of everything good. Zuma and his Capetown have chosen evil over good. Now who cares?

(13)
Pamela,
February 12, 2018 6:17 PM

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink.
So what then? If they won’t accept your offers of help and expertise then why wrestle w/ it?
Why does Israel and Jews all over dwell in rejection of the world of haters ? There seems to be a insecurity and neediness to be accepted by your enemies why? Has God Almighty been so inadequate for you ? Has he not watched over you and blessed you abundantly? The world hates God so once again, why do you want and desire so desperately to be hand in hand w/ those who have turned against him? I’d call that self destruction!
If ppl hate me for my affection towards Jews and more so, w/God what the heck do I care? I DONT!!!!!! Somebody answer these and preferably one of your wise Rabbis.
Thanks

Jeff Allan,
February 12, 2018 8:50 PM

In my opinion, after 2000 years living in exile, we have existed through our belief and laws of the almighty.Our sages have always told us to compromise on everything except our belief and be a Light to the Nations. It is innate to us to win acceptance through integrity and faith.We have failed miserably with our neighbors as they see our hard earned endeavors and success with envy. As with most nations ,we too have turned from the path that we were supposed to take and hatred towards us is G/d's way to bring us to the reality of His Providence .We must make an effort to appease the enemy. If that fails, our conscience is clear. We can never be hand in hand with those who wish our destruction.There are none so blind that cannot see and divine justice will mete out retribution. We are not so brazen to believe that we can do it ourselves..Our belief is our salvation . Hatred is self destructive, by extending the hand in peace,knowing it could be bitten is strength not a fear of rejection..As Biblical history tells us, we are in the end game as we know it.We join hands with you and all believers, who know from Where cometh our help.

(12)
Eragon,
February 12, 2018 10:13 AM

Thats one lousy government spotted.

Thank god At least our prime minister of india is not an idiot like SAs he is trying and bringing us every technology that is out there and yes he also got the machines from israel that recycle water two of them at first( and that too free ???)

(11)
Steve Ross,
February 12, 2018 8:26 AM

History always repeats itself

The propoganda against Isreal by the liberal media reminds me of the same venture against South Africa in the 1980's. We were led to believe that a rainbow South Africa or any other country, was actually feasible.
Read the book: A plot against South Africa. Written in 1989. The other side of the story.

(10)
Antoinette Versfeld,
February 12, 2018 1:14 AM

I agree with the Rabbi.I attended both of Ambassador Lenk's workshops on water .One in Somerset West where the Western Cape provincial minister of Agriculture.attended and adressed the audience.The second one in Cape Town was an absolute eye-opener.It was so informative,but I must admit,I was dissapointed in the attendace of the WesternCape Municipalities as well as officials from various departments as well as the City Councel.I could not believe that NO officials were available.
However,we are a lot of Capetonians that love Israel,and cannot understand our own people!Maybe next time......

(9)
Anonymous,
February 12, 2018 12:38 AM

Racism in spun agrica

It is equally upsetting that black South Africa is committing racism against their own people. The government a tally measures the width of. Their peoples lips and noses and how dark they are. If they are too black they are relegated to low paying jobs and living in poverty areas. The news refuses to cover this. It is dispicable

(8)
Anonymous,
February 11, 2018 11:55 PM

Let's pray for rain

I have been praying for rain in Capetown ever since I read an article about this where Rabbis were interviewed. They and their congregations (in Capetown) are doing prayers for rain.

(7)
Anne,
February 11, 2018 9:17 PM

South Africa needs to give up its pride and resentment.

South Africa has so many problems in addition to the water issue in Cape Town, with the dystopian crime levels and government mismanagement. I pray for the people there.

(6)
Anonymous,
February 11, 2018 5:46 PM

frequent reader of aish website but this article annoys me

i am a frequent reader of aish articles and often find huge value in them often using them at my shabbas table, but this article struck a nerve . Bottom line is Israel is not the only supplier of desalination technology . 2 to 3 plants are coming on line in the next few months. this crisis and it is a crisis no doubt has been caused by a multiplicity of ineptitude , poor planning around growing population numbers and overall bad future planning . your article is therefore may bear some accuracy in a failure to adopt Isreali technology some time back - maybe years - But the article relies on emotion and creates an emotive response , one -in which living in SA and having family living through the water crisis in Cape Town - i don't appreciate.

(5)
Leah,
February 11, 2018 4:53 PM

Venezuela too

Venezuela is also another example of suffering brought on upon its people for hatred of the Jews. When Hugo Chavez declared Jews “Christ killers” and demonized the Nation of Israel, collaborated with Iran and Hezbollah, he brought a curse down on Venezuela and its people. There is no reason for a wealthy, oil rich country to starve to death. It doesn’t make sense.

(4)
Nadine,
February 11, 2018 4:42 PM

BDS Silence

I am South African living in Johannesburg. I have a repeated but as yet unanswered question.....why are the BDS so silent on this issue??? No justification, no glee or any other public declaration of how they won the battle and "told off the Israelis" Just last week they protested loudly because Israel played SA in the Davis Cup tennis and I am delighted to say, Israel won!!! But no word on their "success" in the water crisis.

(3)
Ivor Furman,
February 11, 2018 4:21 PM

Water Crisis in South Africa

What I find so disheartening is one of our Main Shul's in Johannesburg is hosting a debate this week and one of the Key speakers is the ex Chancellor of University of Johannesburg who 6 years ago took great pleasure in severing ties with Ben Gurion University, to score silly political points, at the expense of the population of our country. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy

(2)
Leah,
February 11, 2018 4:13 PM

Arrogance and ignorance

Arrogance and ignorance at its finest. You cannot fix this in time. Many people will possibly die. It is criminal to refuse help and let your country suffer and perish.

Annie,
February 12, 2018 3:05 AM

What can be done ?

I feel for those people-water is the one thing that we cannot do without. Where I live, we once had several water outages (pipe problems) and had no idea when it would be back on.or go off again (incompetent company) This wasn't a fraction of Cape Town's situation. but not being able to flush the lavatory is really squalid. We poured spare water from the watering cans down when it was really necessary and I used the dog's bath for an all-over sponge and so on. It made me never waste water again. The Cape Town people's personal emergency supplies will be long gone. We knew that if we used all ours, we could get some more from somewhere, unlike them.

What CAN be done ? There's a limit to how much water other people can spare and transport in.

Water is precious. I now reuse all that I can-if I soak a bowl, the water is used for watering a plant. I keep a bucket under the laundry tap where the lavatory is and keep the handwashing water for watering also. I keep a big jug of water in the kitchen so as not to waste water when I have a glass of it or fill the kettle. And so on. Never again will I take water for granted. My heart goes out to the people of Cape Town.

(1)
Alan S.,
February 11, 2018 12:13 PM

Sadly, one cannot make these things up...

You can bring a horse to water, but you can't force the horse to drink. It is truly cold and mean spirited to say, but let the people start dying of thirst. Maybe with their last strokes of energy, they will overthrow their leaders and a new government will come in and welcome Israel. I acknowledge that this has not happened for the Palestinians, but perhaps the people of Cape Town are smarter.

Pamela,
February 12, 2018 11:34 PM

You can lead a horse to water but can’t make them drink is mean spirited???? It’s true! It’s sad, it’s to bad and yes ppl will die w/o water, what do you do when help is offered over & over and rejected for the sake of holding on to “HATE”! Be honest ok? Don’t start throwing stones “ you’re so mean”! grow up!

Temima,
February 14, 2018 5:13 AM

Take one step back

I agree with the article, and many sentiments shared, but - take one step back. This is the government we are talking about. Yes, it reflects on some of the population. But not all. There are good people there, and a Jewish community, as well. Do you really want them to die of thirst, or stay alive but suffer terribly? And even the ones who are against Israel... that is a question for a competent Rabbi with broad shoulders - but I don't believe it is the Jewish way to inflict a tortuous or spiteful existence/death on anyone, even those who have wronged us. And this particular thing is a political snub, not an active one. Just remember - you are speaking about human beings, human lives. I am as pro-Israel as anyone, and I have very personal and immediate ties to South Africa - I'm not coming from nowhere. But I do feel that people tend to get carried away by zeal - would you go out and shoot them, too?